Business advisory firm Deloitte has welcomed former chief executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein to its strategic advisory team.

In his new role for the Big Four firm, Sir Howard will specialise in health and social care, government reform and devolution, and regeneration.

“From the regeneration of the city centre, it’s hosting of the 2002 Commonwealth Games and its central role in regional devolution, Sir Howard has been the driving force and vision behind Manchester’s impressive achievements in recent decades,” said Richard Bell, managing partner for regional markets at Deloitte.

“Sir Howard has a stellar reputation in local government and has shown exceptional leadership that our whole firm and our clients will look forward to learning from.”

Sir Howard stepped down from his post at Manchester City Council in March following 19 years at the helm of the authority.

He will advise Deloitte’s public and private sector clients across the UK, Europe, and its global member firm network and support the firm’s internal learning and development programs.

Sir Howard Bernstein added: “Deloitte provides counsel to its clients on sectors that I am deeply passionate about, such as healthcare, local and regional authority development and devolution, and cities economic and infrastructure regeneration.

“I’m therefore delighted to be able to serve Deloitte’s global network of clients who are driving reform and inclusive growth across the UK, Europe and beyond.”